US3200200A - Automatic toll ticketing systems - Google Patents

Description

Aug. 10, 1965 J. M. BLACKHALL 3,299,200

AUTOMATIC TOLL TICKETING SYSTEMS Filed Aug. 24, 1960 l0 Sheets-Sheet l J Nw Sm,

Aug. 10, 1965 J. M. BLACKHALL AUTOMATIC TOLL TICKETING SYSTEMS 10 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 24, 1960 Aug. 10,A 1965 J. M. BLACKHALL AUTOMATIC TOLL TICKETING SYSTEMS 10 Sheets-*Sheet 5 Filed Aug. 24, 1960 MALI www Allg 10, 1965 J. M. BLACKHALL I 3,200,200

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J. M. BLACKHALL 3,200,200 AUTOMATIC TOLL TICKETING SYSTEMS Filed Aug. 24, 1960 10 sheets-Sheet 9 MSN KI MWMN mrw am@ L Rw, mmmmw ug. l0, l965 Aug. 1,0, 1965 J. M. BLACKHALL AUTOMATIC TOLL TICKETING SYSTEMS' 10 Sheets-'Sheet lO Filed Aug. 24, 1960 United States Patent Ol fliu AUTGli/ild'll@ TGM.. HCKETHNG SYSTEMS dames M. Elackhail, La Grange, Ill., assigner to linternational Teilen-hone and iielegraph Corporation, New Yorin NX., a corporation of Maryland Filed Aug. 2li, wed, Ser. No. 51,742 ld Claims. (Cl. l'79--7.l)

rhis invention relates to automatic toll ticketing systems and more particularly to ticketers used in such systems.

There has been a steady progression in the eld of telephony toward the use of automatic switching equipment. Originally, this automatic equipment was used almost eX- clusively in the local call portion of the telephone field. More recently automatic switching systems have been developed for use in toll call systems. The automation of the toll plant has passed successively through two stages, first that of regional and then that of nationwide operatorcontrolled toll dialing. Recently it has reached a third stage, that of nationwide automatic subscriber toll diallng.

While many different types of automatic toll ticketing systems have been provided, each has utilized complicated and expensive ticketing control systems or ticketers. Since the ticketers are connected to serve an individual call throughout the entire period of that call, any simpliiication of the ticketer results in a substantial saving both in initial investment and maintenance costs for the entire system. In the systems provided thus far ticketers have been utilized to accomplish registering functions, to accomplish control of printing or perforating means and, in general, to accomplish functions in addition to those required of a ticketer which basically are: store the data necessary for the production of the record of the toll call, supervise the answer and release of the call, and deliver the stored data to a printer or perforator. A better plan involves separating the ticketing control equipment from the signalling and rating equipment. Since no additional cost is involved, substantial savings can be realized because the signalling and rating apparatus are connected to serve a given call only during the time of actual use in that particular call, thus enabling each such apparatus to service several ticketers. Moreover, it is no longer necessary to hold the talking connection for the duration of the ticketing process. Quite the contrary, the switch train may be released as soon as the call is completed and the ticketer continues to function until all pertinent data is recorded. ln other words, the basic premise is that there is no fundamental reason for the high degree of centraiization that is utilized in the existing automatic toll switching systems, instead such equipment should be dispersed in the same degree as local switching equipment.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a novel and simplified ticketer.

A further object of this invention is to provide a ticketer for utilization in automatic toll ticketing systems regardless of variations in the type of service oifered.

Another object is to provide ticketers which perform only the basic operations required of the ticketer, thus eliminating the need for holding a large amount of equipment for the duration of a call. A related object is to provide a ticketer that, when idle, attracts a registersender, thus eliminating a time-consuming switching function which might otherwise be required after a call is received and while expensive switching equipment is being held.

Still a further object of the invention is to provide a ticketer for giving economical service in both small and large exchanges. More specifically, an object is to give economical service when there are as few as 50,000 tickets per year. ln this connection, it is an object to provide a toll ticketing system which monopolizes only a minimum amount of expensive equipment during any given call.

Briefly, an exemplary embodiment of this invention accomplishes these and other objects by means of a circuit comprising only six telephone-type relays, a timing device such as a timer relay, a switching device such as a multilevel rotary stepping switch and a storage device. Any storage device such as a bank of relays stores the information required for the ticketer to make a record of the toll call. The telephone relays supervise the answer and release of the call. The switching device is used to deliver the data to the storage device and to read-out the storage device.

In this preferred embodiment of an automatic toll ticketing system, the ticketers are associated at random with idle registers by preselecting rotary switches. Upon seizure of the ticketer-register combination, the ticketer is made busy and the register accepts the necessary information for both setting up the call and identifying the calling party. This information may be transmitted either manually by a calling subscriber or automatically by an identifier. Therefore, the register transmits the called number to set an automatic switch train. The talking circuit is cut-through the ticketer and the register delivers the stored data to the ticketer and leaves the connection.

Upon receipt of answer supervision, the ticketer calls in a clock calendar and records the time, rate and date of connection.

ln case of wrong numbers, the connection may be released any time before the operation of a billing relay in the ticketer, which is energized responsive to the operation of a timing relay. Thereafter, the ticketer and register (or ticketer only) restore to normal and the stored information is cancelled.

If the called station is busy, the ticketer delivers tone at the flashing rate to the calling subscriber. If the called station does not disconnect promptly, the call is released and busy tone is returned to the calling subscriber. When the calling subscriber releases after billing, the ticketer delivers the stored information to either a printer or perforator and restores to normal. On release by the called party only, the ticketer counts out a delay of 20 seconds, opens the originating loop, drops the out-trunk, delivers the `stored information to the printer or perforator and restores to normal.

The above-mentioned and other features and objects of this invention and the manner of attaining them will become more apparent and the invention itself will be best understood, by reference to the following description of an embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows by block diagram an automatic toll ticketing system, utilizing the subject invention;

FIGS. 2-6 show by schematic circuit diagram details of block lll, `the ticketer, as shown in FIG. l;

FIG. 7 is a schematic circuit diagram showing a rotary preselecting switch and assigner circuit for connecting registers and ticketers;

FIG. 8 is `a schematic circuit diagram showing only those essential details of the register necessary to make the description of the ticketer used in this particular ernbodiment of the invention more understandable;

FIG. 9 is a schematic circuit diagram which shows a switch and the circuit for connecting calendars to the ticketers;

FIG. l0 is a schematic circuit diagram showing a switch and the circuit for connecting printer control circuits to the ticketer; and

FlG. ll illustrates a mode of combining FIGS. 2-10, inclusive, to form a unified system.

Simple and specific terms are used in the following specification, where possible, to facilitate yan understanding of the invention. However, it should be understood that the use of these terms is not to act in any manner as a disclaimer of the full range of equivalents which is normally given under established rules of patent law. To illustrate, the 4attached drawings show a rel-ay storage system whereas other types of storage apparatus, such as magnetic storage devices, may be used. Also, the attached drawings indicate a system utilizing stepping switch-es for interconnecting the various subassemblies. However, other Itypes of devices, such .as crossbar switches, could readily serve the same function. Still further, the heavily inked rectangle (No. 111 of FIG. 1) indicates that portion of the system which is shown in detail by means of FIGS. 2-6. The remaining blocks of FIG. 1, that are shown by lightly inked rectangles, are items which are well known to those skilled in the art. Any suitable equipment may be used to provide the functions represented by these blocks. Quite obviously, other examples could be selected to illustrate the manner in which the specific terms that have been used are entitled to a wide range of equivalents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION FIG. 1 shows by block diagram one example of an automatic toll ticketing telephone system which is useful for explaining how the subject invention operates. This system includes a tributary office 10, a ticketing center 11, and a centralized automatic machine accounting (CAMA) office 12. In this exemplary system, a calling subscriber station 101 is connected to a called line 127 when the calling subscriber sends a total of 14 digits. The iirst three of these digits are used to reach a register-sender in the ticketing center. The following ten digits are the nationwide terminating number (i.e., a 3digit area code followed by a 7digit called line directory number). The last digit controls ringing.

The tributary otce includes a linetinder 102 and a local selector 103, which give access to a plurality of repeaters, such as 106. Coupled to the repeater 106 on a percentage basis by a rotary switch 82 is a registersender 107. Coupled -to register-sender 107, also on a percentage basis, by a rotary switch 83 is a party-detector circuit 108 that identities the one of a number of party line subscribers who is making a call. Between the subscriber station 101 and the register-sender 107 is a linedetector 104, the connection being completed by a rotary switch 81.

The line detector 104 identities the directory number of the line extending to subscriber station 101, which number is then stored in register-sender 107. Thereafter, party detector 108 stores an additional digit in registersender 107, thus completing storage of the directory number of subscriber station 101.

The ticketing center 11 includes a conventional incoming automatic switch train here depicted as an incoming selector 109, and a special selector 110. Associated with selector 110 are a number of ticketers 111, which are distributed on a percentage basis by rotary switch 84. This ticketer is individually connected to the incoming switch train for the duration of a given call. However, it performs only the most basic operations required of a ticketer. When necessary, and during the progress of a call, the ticketer sequentially calls in any number of associated circuits which give specialized service. As soon as these specialized services are completed, the associated circuits are released. Thus, only the minimum equipment incorporated in the ticketer is held and the need for holding a large amount of equipment for the duration of the given call is eliminated.

More particularly, the circuits associated with the ticketer include a clock calendar 112, an out controller 113, a printer or perforator 117, a line trunk detector 118, a line vertier 119, a universal register-sender 120, a party detector 121, a translator 122 and an operator trunk circuit 124. All of these circuits are interconnected on a percentage basis by a number of rotary switches -92 in a manner which will be obvious to those Skilled in the art.

The clock calendar 112 is of conventional design providing control signals which indicate: the time, day, month, year, and other pertinent data such as high-low billing rate. All of this is accomplished with full consideration of Sunday and holiday rates and with corrections for leap year.

The out controller 113 is a circuit which converts signals received from the ticketer 111 into signals for controlling the printer or perforator 117. While the printer may take any suitable form, it may conveniently be a modified adding machine, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

The line trunk detector 118 provides means for automatically determining the calling line number when a local subscriber is the calling party. The calling line identifying number is then transmitted to register 120 by the line trunk detector.

The party detector 121 is used when a local subscriber on a party line initiates the call. It provides means for determining the calling party number and transmitting that information to register 120.

The 'line veriier `119 provides means for checking the calling partys number -in a dial your own number system for identifying the calling party.

The universal register-sender 120 provides means for receiving from the calling subscribers dial, the digits of the called subscribers telephone number, and for receiving the `call-ing subscribers telephone number either from the .calling subscriber, a detector circuit, or from an operator. The register then -outpulses the called number to the switch train at the direction of a translator. After outpulsing the register transfers all the call data plus its own number to the ticketer and then releases. It should be noted that the ticketer 111 connects directly to the register sender 120 via a data transfer link 87 (as distinguished from a speech path); therefore, t-he -call data may be quickly and easily transferred, in parallel, from the register to the t-icketer. This provides for an economical construction and a rapid transfer of data.

The translator circuit l122 provides the digits required for routing a call when more than one set of trunks are used to carry toll traflic.

The operators trunk 124 provides means for enabling the operator to dial or key-in the calling partys number after the operator obtains the number verbally from the cal-ling party. Provision is made for receiving this information either from a -local or distant operator.

Finally, the ticketing center 11 includes route selectors 114, 116, which are numerically controlled from the lticketers 1111, 11S, respectively, to interconnect the tribw tary otiice 10 and an inter-toll repeater 123 in any conventional manner. Connected to repeater 123 is any suitable automatic switching equipment 126 and an associated called subscriber station 127. The physical location `of equipment y126, 127 is not important-it may be 1n the ticketing cen-ter 11 or in a distant exchange,

'The talking path extending through the telephone sysl tem of FIG. 1 is identified by the heavily inked conductor leading through boxes v101, `102, 103, 106, 109, 110, 111, 114, 123, and 126 to 127.

When necessary to provide manual supervision, equipment in the ticketing center 11 including operator trunk circuit 124 may call in either an operator 132 in the ticketlng center or to an operator 134 in the CAMA oiiice 12. The telephone system of FIG. 1 operates in the following manner. Closure of a line loop in the tributary oice 10 by removal of a handset at calling station 101 connects the calling line through linefinder 102 to local. selector 103. Dial ltone is returned and the calling sub-- scriber dials a complete complement of fourteen digits.. The first three digits indicate a long distancey call, the second three digits indicate an area code the called number is made up of the next seven digits :und the last digit.

register-sender ltl through switch SWiil.

is the ring7 digit. During the first three digits, the call is extended via switches ldd, ldd, '169, ll@ to a register'- sender 12b by way of ticketer `lll and rotary switches Sli, S7 which provide a percentage distribution.

Line detector .lltli determines which line is busy. This information, along with the ring digit, is transferred to Party detector lil@ determines the calling party -directory number based on the information in register-sender lti and transfers this information back to register-sender ltl, which retransmits it as a seven digit number to register-sender 12o. Therefore, register-sender 126 stores seventeen digits of directory information, i.e., three digits of area code, seven digits of called party directory number and seven digits of calling pa-rty directory number. To this, register-sender l2@ adds a single dic-it which serves to distinguish -it from all other register-senders. Therefore, the register-sender contains a total of eighteen digits for transmittal to the ticketer.

During the time interval while the register-sender i537 is sending the calling number to register-sender im, the call may be cancelled if t-he calling subscriber hangs up. However, during this same time interval, a manipulation of the dial at station lill does not interfere with the transmission of the calling line directory numbers between register-senders ltl'" and l-Zll.

While the vsecond .th-ree or area digits are being stored, register-sender l2@ puts in a call for a translator, such as translator 122. When connected to translator 12.2, register-sender 12b transfers the digits one at a time over Z-out-of-S leads to registration relays (not shown in FIG. l) in translator M2. The translator determines whether the area code is one requiring a second translation and, if it is, marks the register with a single digit to indicate an arbitrary number further identifying the area in question. Thereafter, the translator releases from the register-sender.

When the next three digits, representing the otiice code, are stored in register-sender 12u, the translator 122 is seized and the same process of trans erring the office digits from the register-sender l2@ to the translator takes place. In addition, the register delivers the previously stored area code to the translator which, in .any well'known manner, selects a route through either direct or alternate route relays. The 4route relays may have strapped-in directives of up to seven digits. Six of these digits represent the maximum routing directive which may be outpulsed into route .selector lill and Iautomatic switching equipment H6. The seventh directive digit selects that part of the `itl-digit terminating number which is to be outpulsed to the switching equipment. The outpulsed part of the original lO-digit terminating number may be any number of digits between ten and four. The directive digits are stored in register-sender l2@ and translator `1.332 is released.

Responsive to receipt by the register-sender of the complete translated directive, it begins outpulsing to the automatic switching equipment via ticketer lll. Outpulsing is under control of the usual start and stop signals and also of busy-flash signals of 30, 60 and 12) i.p.m. As soon as register-sender l2@ is through outpuising to the automatic switch train, it delivers a cut-through pulse to its associated ticketer lll to disconnect the leads which heretofore had been used for connecting register-sender 12o to incoming selector lili and route selector lle, respectively. These register leads are now connected to a common means for controlling the storage of data in the ticketer. Conveniently, this means takes the form of a rotary switch providing a ticketer-sequence control. Thereafter, the register-sender l2@ transmits over these leads the eighteen digits of ticketing data which is stored in the ticketer storage apparatus. This is the second time that the data is read-out of the register sender.

Responsive to the receipt of all of this data, which in this embodiment of the invention is delivered at the rate CII of twenty pulses per second, the ticketer grounds a hold lead to release the register-sender from the ticketer.

When information is no longer transmitted from the register-sender, the ticketer responds by going into a read-in condition and by waiting for answer supervision signals or for a flash Signal. The read-in condition is to provide for storage of call information in the ticketer, as required. Three types of signals be returned over a supervisory lead extending to the ticketer from the calling switch train. One is the absence of any signal which indicates no answer, two is a busy or trouble dash at the 30, 60 or 120 i.p.m. rate, and three is a ground answer supervision signal to indicate called party answer.

lf a flash of 30, 60 or 120 i.p.m. is received, the control c means or sequence switch in the ticketer is driven to open the original line loop, and to cause lockout or return dial tone, depending upon the characteristics of the local automatic central office switching system. While the sequence switch is being thus driven, the calling subscriber receives busy tone from the ticketer.

if the called subscriber answers, a timing relay in the ticketer operates after approximately six seconds to cause billing. ff, on release, the called party hangs up before the calling party, the sequence switch of the ticketer will be driven by a source of timed pulses to a point at which the originating line loop will be opened and the calling party put on dial tone or lockout. At this time the out controller M3, which may be of the type used for controlling either a printer or a tape perforator, will cause a record of the call to be made. If the release is made by the calling party, the same action as described above takes place without the timed interval of approximately twenty seconds. Upon restoration of the cut-through relays because of the release of the call or upon restoration of the sequence switch to normal due to the timed release of the call, a request is made for an output control circuit such as that shown in FIG. l. Responsive to the connection of an output control circuit to the ticketer, the call data is delivered to either a printer or a perforator. Responsive to the completion of the delivery of ticket data, the ticketer releases and, subsequently, once again becomes available for another call, responsive to the attachment to another idle register.

Summarizing the operation of the ticketer throughout this call: ticketers are associated with idle registers, at random, over preselecting apparatus such as preselecting rotary switch 87 associated with the registers. ll ticketers appear on levels of the register switches and the ticketer-register group is accessed from ticketing ollice selectors through preselecting devices, such as preselecting rotary switch 4, either on a full-availability basis or they can be graded across the incoming selectors. Seizure of the ticketer-register combination by any searching remote selector, or any local first or incoming trunk, or special service stepping selector, causes the ticketer to be made busy and connects the selector through to the register, which then accepts the necessary information for both setting up the call and identifying the calling party.

Subsequent to the storage of the called number in the register, the called number is transmitted after a translation cycle and then the ticketer is cut-through; Whereupon, the register delivers the untranslated called data to the ticketer and subsequently breaks the connection. When the calling subscriber answers, the ticketer calls in a calendar which transmits the time of connection for storage in the ticketer. The ten or hours digit of the time of connection also contains a high-low rate indication for the call. When the call is released any time before the operation of the billing relay, the ticketer is restored to normal without transferring the information stored in it to a printer or perforator. However, upon normal release after operation of a billing relay, which operates responsive to the energization of a timing relay, the ticketer delivers the stored information to either a printer or a perforator and then restores to normal. It should 7 be noted that this ticketer performs only the essential functions incumbent upon a ticketer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION It is thought that a more complete understanding will result from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention as it is shown in the detail drawings, FIGS. 2-10, inclusive, when joined as shown in FIG. 1l.

Seizure by register When any ticketer in the central otlice, such as ticketer 111 in FIG. 1, is standing idle without a register connected thereto, control means, here shown as ticketersequence switch, SW1 (FIG. 6), is normal. Relays 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250 and 260 are all de-energized and indicator lamp 300 is dark. Also, lead 220C (FIG. 2) is not grounded; however, lead 236e (FIG. 4) is grounded over a circuit that may be traced from the ground on olfnormal SW1 switch contacts ONlb, through lead 253C, through normally closed contacts 233a, 24311, lead 271C, normally closed contacts 414 to lead 236C. The ground on lead 236e is extended to a ticketer-assigner circuit (FIG. 7), where it operates relay 730 over an obvious circuit.

Means are provided for interconnecting a register and an idle ticketer. More particularly, if any register is idle, a ground is extended from that register to operate relay 720, the circuit being through normally closed contacts 808. If a register is idle, relay 710 operates responsive jointly to the operation of relays 730 and 720, over a circuit that can be extended from battery on magnet M3 (FIG. 7), interrupter contacts INT1, contacts 731 and 721 operated to the closed position, and through the coil of relay 710 to ground. The current, however, is insufcient to operate the magnet M3 of switch SW3 over this circuit because the winding of relay 710 has a high resistance.

Responsive to the operation of relay 710 contacts 712 close, operating relay 840 over a circuit that can be traced from ground through contacts 712, the wiper on level A of SW3, lead 165C, contacts 811 normally closed and through the coil of relay 840 to battery. Note that if switch SW3 in this position were connected to a busy register, there would be a ground on lead 166C which would extend from contacts 802 through level B of switch SW3, contacts 714, 721 and 731 to ground the coil of magnet M3 through interrupter contacts INT1, and responsive thereto switching magnet M3 would operate and step the switch to its next position. Relay 710 would be shunted by ground extending through contacts 714 and would not operate. Switch SW3 continues to step in this manner until an idle register is found, as denoted by an absence of ground on lead 166C. Responsive to the interconnection of an idle register and an idle ticketer, relay 710 operates over a circuit previously traced.

Responsive to the operation of relay 840, ground is extended to relay 800 over a circuit that can be traced from ground through normally open contacts 842 to the coil of relay 800. At the same time lead 161e, which is connected to the wiper of level A of switch SW87 (FIG. 7) and extends through to the other side of relay 800, over a circuit that can be traced from switch SW87, through normally closed contacts 801a, normally open contacts 841 now operated to the closed position, and to the lefthand terminal coil of relay 800. When ground is on lead 161C (from contacts 21611 via conductor 220e) both sides of the coil of relay 800 are grounded and it does not operate. Switch SW87 will step to its next position because magnet M87 is energized by the ground on lead 161e extended through contacts 80111, 841, lead 153C and contacts INTZ. Switch SW87 will continue to step until an ungrounded lead 161e is found to indicate an idle register.

Lead 161e is connected through the contacts of level A of switch SW87 to leads 220C on all ticketers; therefore, an idle ticketer, marked by an absence of ground (open contacts 21611) on lead 220e, will complete the circuit operating relay 800. In greater detail, supposing that in position 1 ticketer-access switch SW87 is connected to a busy ticketer, then lead 220e is grounded over a circuit that can be traced from ground through contacts 216:1 to lead 220e, level A of switch SW87 to lead 161e, contacts 801a and 841 to the one side of relay 800 and to lead 153e. Lead 153e, in turn, is connected through the interrupter contacts INT2 to the battery of the coil of magnet M87. Thus, when switch SW87 is connected to a busy ticketer, ground on lead 220C prevents the operation of relay 300 and actuates magnet M87 to step the ticketeraccess switch SW87. Stepping continues until ticketeraccess switch SW87 locates an idle ticketer marked by battery on lead 220e over a circuit that can be traced from battery on the coil of relay 230 through contacts 216b to lead 220e. This battery is then extended through to lead 153e over a circuit previously traced. Battery on lead 153C prevents actuation of magnet M87 because both sides of its coil connect to battery. Relay 800 operates because it has ground on one side and battery (through relay winding 230) on the other side of its coil. Therefore, switch SW87 stops stepping and relay 800 operates to mark the register (FIG. 8) busy.

Responsive to the operation of relay 800, a self-locking circuit is completed from ground through contacts 861, 803, S91, the coil of relay 800 to battery on lead 153C (from contacts INTZ). Lead 153e is disconnected from lead 161C when, responsive to the operation of relay 800, contacts 801a open; and, instead, lead 161e is now connected to lthe ground applied to the coil of relay 800 through contacts 801b. The current iiowing through the windings of magnet M87 and relay 800 is insufficient to operate magnet M87 but is suflicient to operate relay 800. Also responsive to the operation of relay 800, a circuit is completed through contacts 804 and 805 to connect the upper and lower coils of line relay 830 and to leads e` and 159e, respectively, via contacts 821b and 82217. Relay S10 is also operated over an obvious circuit when ground is extended through contacts 806. Ground is extended through contacts 802 to lead 166e to cause the ticketer-assigner circuit to disengage itself from this particular register by energizing magnet M3 via contacts 714, 721, 731 and INT1. Ground is removed from lead 161C whereby this particular register no longer causes operation of the register-assigner circuit (FIG. 7).

The operating circuit for relay 840 breaks when contacts 811 open, responsive to the operation of relay 810. At this point the register (FIG. 8) is connected to the ticketer (FIGS. 2-6). Relay 230 in the ticketer and relays 800 and 810 in the register are operated.

Means are provided for marking the register-ticketer as idle to an incoming selector. Retrogressing in the description to lill in the pertinent details, responsive to the operation of relay 230, contacts 331 close to complete a circuit from a 60 i.p.m. ground pulse source (not shown, but connected to lead 202e) contacts 331, 322e, 312a, 361a, lead 201e, and through lamp 300 to battery, thereby ilashing lamp 300 at 60 i.p.m. rate to indicate the seizure of the ticketer by a register. Also responsive to the operation of relay 230, contacts 332a open to remove the ground extended through contacts 324a, 313a, lead 206e and preselecting switch SW84 to the auxiliary sleeve AS to the incoming selector 109. When contacts 433 open, the removal of ground from lead 230C permits the interconnected register-ticketer to be seized by an absence of ground searching incoming selector 109 in any well known manner. Previously, the sleeve to selector 109 extended over the circuit from ground on contacts 445 through contacts 422, 401, 433, and lead 230e to sleeve S.

Also responsive to the operation of relay 230, normally open contacts 332b close to extend resistance battery to lead 206e through a circuit that can be traced from battery through resistor R1, through normally closed cond tacts 362g, through the now closed contacts 33%, the nor'mally closed contacts 324th land M311 vto lead Zut/ic. Resistance battery on lead 2h60 permits any resistance battery-seeking selector to seize this ticketer and its associated register in any well known method. Prior to the operation of relay ground was exten-ded to auxiliary sleeve AS lead through normally closed contacts "32a, 32er: and Elli-cz. This ground on lead Zthsc eiiectively detoured resistance battery-seeking incoming selectors and thereby prevented the seizure of a tickcter having no attached register.

The operation of relay 230 causes normally open contacts 23d to close, thus preparing a locking circuit for answer relay 22d that can be traced from ground through normally closed contacts 264g, contacts 234 to normally open contacts 226. Contacts 4.32 close and extend battery through the coil of relay 26h to lead 225e which is connected to level E of ti'cketer-access switch SWW (FIG. 7). The battery on the lower winding of relay 22d is extended to level H of the ticketer-access switch Slt-.737 through a circuit that can be traced from the battery on the coil of relay 22th through contacts 455i, contacts 4oz, lead 223e, to level H of ticketer-access switch SWST The battery extended through these two leads, i.e. lead 223C and lead 225C, has no eect on the register at this time. Also the following contacts on relay 23d operate at this time with no effect: normally closed contacts 233er, 235, 236, 237, 33% and i3d are opened; normally open contacts 23311 and 434i are closed.

The ticketer-register combination is now prepared for seizure responsive to the receipt of a toll call at incoming selector N9.

Seizure by toll call When the calling subscriber removes his handset from the hook switch, a circuit is completed that operates line relay 73@ in the register of the ticketer-register combination. The circuit can be traced from battery on the lower right terminal of line relay 83? in the register through contacts 822]), contacts ddd, lead lge, the wiper on level C of ticketer-access switch Svi/87, lead Zatte, through contacts 447 normally closed to lead 24de, which is connected to the ring lead of the incoming selector tu@ through a switch train (not shown), to the subscribers line circuit and back to the tip (not shown) lead 244C in the ticketer through contacts 449, lead 243C which connects to level B of ticketer-access switch SW', lead todo, contacts Stili, contacts SZlb, and through the upper coil of relay 33@ to ground.

Subscriber dialing causes the line relay 33d to release responsive to the dial digit interruptions. Each time that relay 33@ releases, contacts 834 close and pulses are stored in storage devices 39d, indicated by the block diagram in PEG. 8.

Responsive to the operation of line relay 83d, answer relay 22d in the ticketer is operated over a circuit that extends from battery on the lower winding of relay 22@ through contacts @Si and 462, lead 223C to level H of the ticketer-access switch Svi/87, from the wiper of level H through lead 154C into the register, contacts SGQ, @23th, and contacts i532 on the line relay 33d, to ground. Also responsive to the operation of relay tl, other register relays operate, among which are the slow to release hold relay 85d, which operates over a circuit which can be traced from battery on the coil of relay 359 and contacts till to ground. Relay 3S@ holds during dial pulsing responsive to its own slow release characteristics.

Responsive to the operation of the hold relay S599, auxiliary relay Se@ operates over an obvious circuit including contacts S52. Responsive to the operation of relay S50, contacts 85E close to apply a ground in place of the ground removed by the opening of normally closed contacts 861 for holding relay $09.

To indicate seizure by a toll call, indicator lamp 3% changes from a 60 i.p.m. flash to a 120 i.p.m. ila-sh when the answer relay 212@ operates in the ticketer. More specifically, normally closed contacts 322g, over which indicator lamp Stti was previously connected to the 60 i.p.m. ground source, open while the normally open contacts 322i), close, completing a circuit from lead Ztic connected to a 129 i.p.rn. ground source through contacts 32x25, through normally closed contacts 312g, 36in, and lead Ztlic to the battery on indicator lamp Siti),

Relay Z2@ locks itself in when contacts 22o are operated to a closed position, thus completing a circuit from battery on relay 22? through its coil, contacts 226, and 22S-ta to ground. The operation or relay 22d also causes lead 96C to be grounded at contacts 324i? thereby completing a connection to the auxiliary sleeve AS of the incoming selector ilitl. At this same time contacts @2da open, breaking the prev-iously traced idle marking circuit that connected lead Ztioc to resistance battery on contacts 352i?.

it should be noted that the ticketer 111 can function eiectively with an incoming selector that is a resistance- .battery seeking type device as described herein. Gr, by simple circuit changes obvious to those skilled in the art, the ticketer may be made amenable to other type selectors, such as groundscarching selectors or absenceofground-searching selectors.

Also, as a result of the operation of answer relay 22d, the ground that extended to lead 233C through contacts i2/3b is removed; however, lead 233C is still grounded via a circuit that may be traced from ground on the wiper of level C of the ticketer-sequence switch SWi (FIG. 6) in positions l-Ziin lead Edic and contacts 42351 to lead 233e. (The absence of ground on lead 233 is a call for a clock calendar as described in detail below). Ground is exten-ded to lead 232C via a circuit that can be traced .from ground through contacts 44g and 421 to lead 232e. The ground on this lead has no immediate effect. The following contacts on answer relay 225i are operated with no etlect at this time: 32M, 32Sa, 325b, 227, 223, 42351, @23h and 4.24.

After all of the digits dialed by the call-ing subscriber are stored in circuit 8%, the terminating numbers are sent to the route selector 1M and switch train 126 (-FIG. l), on a loop pulsing basis via conductors litill'dc (PEG. 8), in a well known manner,

it should be noted that the ground on lead 223C, originally used to operate relay 22u, is also extended to the outgoing selector over a circuit that can be traced from lead 223C through normally closed contacts 462, normally closed contacts 464, to lead 22d-c, which is cor1- nected to the auxiliary sleeve AS lead of the outgoing selector i1/. Lead 245C, which extends the tip lead from route selector 1M to the relay 33) in the register over a circuit previously traced, is connected to the tip lead 244e of the incoming selector N9 through contacts 449 normally closed, lead 244e and rotary preselecting switch SWid. The tip lead of the route selector 114 is connected through lead 245C to open contacts if-59. Lead 231C, which is connected to the sleeve S of the route selector iid, is connected to open contacts 443. The auxiliary tip AT lead of the route selector is connected to lead 298e in the ticketer and through contacts 24151, lead 209e, level F of Sri/V87, to lead 156e of the register. ln a like manner the auxiliary ring lead AR is connected to lead 2linwhich, in turn, is connected through contacts 242e, lead ZZc, level G of switch Svi/87, to lead iddo of the register. The ring lead R of route selector 114 is connected to lead Zit/tlc of the ticketer.

Means are provided for outpulsing the information stored in circuit 89d on any convenient basis. For example, in the exemplary system outpulsing is shown on a loop pulsing basis. lt should be understood that twoout-ot-live pulsing may also be provided. By way of illustration, the digits that are stored in circuit 890 are outpulsed over the digit lead and the digit 4 lead over a circuit that extends from circuit 8% through the digit 8 lead, lead 174C, contacts 8&6, 82.3, i5-39d, lead 155e` which connects to the AR lead of route selector 114 in a manner already described. The AT lead of route selector 114 is connected to lead 156C of the register as has been disclosed. Lead 156C connects through contacts 809C, 827, S85 and lead 173C to the digit 4 lead of circuit 890. Thus the outpulsing loop extends from the digit 8 lead and the digit "4 lead of register storage circuit 890 to the auxiliary tip (AT) and ring (AR) leads of route selector 114.

The end-send relay 820 and the dial-end relay 870 operate (by means not shown) as indicated by their nomenclature, respectively, at the end of sending and at the end of dialing. Note that responsive to the operation of the end-send relay, line relay 830 is disconnected from the calling loop by the opening of normally closed contacts 82115 and 822b.

The ticketer is now prepared for a cut-through operation.

Cut-through After the register completes its outpulsing operation route selector `114 and .automatic switches 126 seize and signal the called line. However, the register does not have to wait if the switch train is not set promptly because it grounds lead 225C in the ticketer immediately after completion of outpulsing. This ground operates cut-through relay 260 over a circuit that extends from battery on relay 260 through contacts 432 operated to the closed position, lead 225C, level E of SW87, lead 157C to the register, contacts 80911, 824, 871b and 833 to ground.

Responsive to the operation of relay 260, indicator lamp 300 is connected to resistance ground by the operation of contacts 36111 and therefore shines with a steady dim light. The energizing circuit includes contacts 321b and resistor R2. Also responsive to the operation of relay 260, contacts 36211 open and contacts 362b close, thereby extending ground through contact 332b to contacts 32411 which are open at this time, so the extended ground is ineffective at this time. Contacts 36311 operate with no effect at this time. Contacts 363b close to extend ground to the delay alarm lead 207e. This ground acts to time the transfer of information to the ticketer and to send an alarm if the transfer is not completed on time-all in a manner familiar to those skilled in the art. Relay 220 releases when ground is removed from its locking circuit by the operation of contacts 26411, contacts 462 being open.

To prepare for storage of information in the ticketer, ground is connected to a number of storage relay banks 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09 and 10 for locking purposes through lead 254C when contacts 264b close. The manner in which this ground is utilized will become more apparent as this description proceeds.

Relay 240, .the auxiliary cut-through relay, is operated by a ground marking extended through its coil to battery when contacts 265 close by the operation of relay 260. A circuit is extended by closing contact 461 from battery on magnet M1 of switch SW1 over lead 259C, contacts 218i), 461, lead 223C, level H switch SW87, lead 154C, contacts 899, 82311 and 883 to ground under the control of contacts 883 on error relay 386 in the-register. Contacts 462 open to break the circuit that extended the original operate ground for relay 220 from the register. Contacts 462 and 463 have no effect at this time. Relay 260 is locked in through contacts 465 over a circuit that extends from ground on the sleeve `of the route selector 114 through lead 231C, contacts 443, 465, and the coil of relay 260 to battery. Contact 466 closes to extend locking ground to storage relay banks 19 through 26 (FIG. 6) over a circuit that can be traced from ground through contacts 466, lead 263C, to relay banks 19 through 26. In a similar manner locking ground is extended through contacts 46'/ and lead 264C to storage relay banks 11 through 18.

Means are provided for cutting the talking conductors through the ticketer, More specifically, contacts 468 close to cut-through the incoming selectors ring lead R to the route selectors ring lead R over a circuit that can be traced from the incoming selectors ring lead R through switch SW84, lead 241C, contacts 468, lead 265C, all positions of level D, switch SW1, except 6 and 21, lead 204e to the ring lead R on route selector 114. In a similar manner the tip lead T of incoming selector 109 is cutthroug to the tip lead T of route selector 114 over a circuit that can be traced from tip lead T of the incoming selector through switch SW84, lead 244C, contacts 469, and lead 245e to tip lead T of the route selector 114.

In carrying out lthis invention the register is disconnected from the incoming and outgoing switching equipment including incoming selector 109 and route selector 114 and is connected :to storage bins in the ticketer. That is, responsive to the operation of 240, the auxiliary cut-through relay, contacts 24111 open to disconnect the auxiliary tip 4lead AT of the outgoing selector from the Register Storage and Storage Read-Out Circuit 890 of FIG. 8. The connection was completed over a circuit previously traced. Cont-acts 241b close to connect lead 4 of the register storage and storage read-out circuit 890 to the appropriate storage bins or relays of the ticketer over a circuit that extends from digit "4 lead of the register storage and storage read-out device circuit 890, through a circuit that extends over lead 173C, contacts 885, 827, 809C, lead 156e, level F, lead 269e, contacts 241b, lead 210C, the wiper of level J -of switch SW1, through the twenty-three positions of `the switch as it is operated in synchronism with a read- Iout switch (not shown, but in box 890) of the register to storage bin or relay banks 03 through 26. Level J there- `fore supervises the storage and read-out of the 4 digit in a 2-out-of-5 binary code utilized for transferring information to the ticketer in this embodiment of the invention.

Contacts 24211 open to disconnect the auxiliary ring lead AR of the route selector 114 from the register storage and storage read-out circuit 890 digit 8 lead. The digit 8 lead is connected to the ticketer storage bin or relay banks through level K of switch SW1. In greater detail, the circuit that extends from the AR lead of the route selector 114 through lead 211e, contacts 24211, lead 212C, level G of switch SW87, lead 155C, contacts 869d, 828, 886 and lead 174C to the digit 8 conductor of the register storage and storage read-out circuit 890 is broken when contacts 242:1 open. A circuit is extended from the digit n8 lead of the register storage and storage read-out circuit 890 through lead 174C, contacts 886, 828, 809d, lead 155C, level G of switch SW87, lead 212C, contacts 242b, lead 213C, and level K of switch SW1 to the ticketer storage bins or relay banks 03 through 25. Contacts 243, 244, 245 and 246a fand b operate with no effect at this time.

Contacts 441 close to extend a circuit from digit "2 lead of the register storage and storage read-out circuit 890 to the ticketer storage bins or relay banks. In greater detail, the circuit can be traced from the digit 2 lead of the register storage and storage read-out circuit through lead 172C, contacts 884, 826, 80911, lead 158C, level D of switch SW87, lead 227e, contacts 441, lead 226e and through level H of switch SW1 to the "2 digit relays in the ticketer storage bins. When contacts 442 open the circuit that extended from the digit "2 lead of the register storage and storage read-out circuit S to sleeve lead S of the incoming selector is broken. In greater detail, the circuit extended from lead 172C, through contacts 884, 826, 80911, lead 158C, level D, lead 227C, contacts 442, lead 230C, switch SWS4, to sleeve lead S of the incoming selector is broken by the operation of contacts 442. Lead 230e is connected through contacts 443 and lead 231e to the sleeve lead S of the route selector 114. Contacts 444, 445 are operated with no irnmediate elect at this time.

escaneo Contacts 46 close to extend the register digit l lead from the register storage and storage read-out circuit 89@ to the digit l relay storage bin or banks of the ticketer over a circuit that can be traced from the digit l lead of the register storage and storage read-out circuit, lead llc, contacts 383, 322e, 3dS, lead l59c, level C of switch SW, lead Mlle, contacts M16, lead 237e, level G or switch SWl to the digit storage bins. The operation of contacts 44,7' opens the connection that existed from lead Zltlc through contacts M7, lead Zelo, switch SWS-l, to the ring lead R of the incoming selector 169.

Contacts #14d closed to extend a circuit that can be traced from the digit lead storage relays in the register storage read-out circuit $96, lead i760, contacts ddl, Sila, Stift, lead ldllc, level B of switch Fav-'57, lead Z430, contacts 44S, lead 242C, level F of switch SW1 to the 0 storage bins in the ticketer. Contacts 449 open to break the circuit that extended from tip lead T of the incoming selector lill@ through preselecting switch M284, to lead 244e, contacts 442-9, lead 243, and circuits previously traced to the 0 digit lead in the register.

Briefly, responsive to the cut-through operation leads 242C, 2327s, 22de, 21110 and 213C are connected to levels F, G, H, l and K respectively of ticketer-sequence switch SW1 and are extended through to the register over circuits which were individually traced. These circuits lead to storage relays in the register in box 59@ which are not shown here. Frein the ticketer standpoint it is only necessary to point out that grounds are delivered through these leads, and through the circuits arready described to the ticketer where they are stored in the storage relays of the ticketer in a manner which will be described.

Hence, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, means are provided for accepting data from the registers. For instance, the register storage tanks that store digits 0, 1, 2, 4 and "8 are connected, responsive to the operation of relay 240, respectively through circuits already traced to levels F, G, H, I and K of a common control means, such as SW1. Also responsive to the operation of relay Zelt! ground is extended through contacts 444 to lead 232C which is connected to ticketer-access switch SWSS through which the clock calendars are connected to the ticketer. A ground on that lead keeps the absence of ground searching clock calendars from connecting to the ticketer which, at this time, is prepared to receive information from the register.

Transfer of information from register to tickeler Responsive to the cut-through of the ticketer the register proceeds to deliver a maximum of eighteen digits of stored information, consisting of a single digit representing its own number and seventeen digits of calling and called numbers, to the ticketer where these digits are stored in a memory device such as the storage relay banks connected to SWE contacts S-Zl, inclusive, over levels F, G, H, J and K. Twenty-one ground pulses are received by magnet coil Ml of SWE from the register through lead 223 over circuits previously traced. Simultaneously appropriate 2-out-of-5 codes are delivered to levels F, G, l-l, J and K of the switch through circuits also previously traced. The register continues to transfer data to the ticketer so long as line relay 8316 is operated by the ground on lead 225C. This ground is supplied through lead 23de from the sleeve of the incoming selector.

ln greater detail, the ground can be traced to lead 225e through a circuit that is extended from lead 23de through contacts 46S and 432 to lead 225C. The ground on 225e further extends through level E of the ticketeraccess switch SW3?, lead 157C, contacts Stiga S24, Silla through the coil of line relay 33t? to battery, thus reopelating the line relay.

ln the absence of this ground, line relay 83d would remain in its unoperated state and, consequently, slow release relay 85? would drop out since contacts 831 would be open and the time lapse would be sutlicien-t for the slow-to-release characteristics of relay tlll to exhaust themselves. Responsive to the return to normal of relay d, relay which was held to ground through contacts lSl over a circuit previously traced, would also return to normal. Contacts which hold relay dell operated, would also open releasing that relay and, consequently, end-send relay 32d held operated through coutacts 8d2 would also return to normal, causing contacts 821m, 322e, 32,6, 27 and 82S all to open, breaking the circuits that extend from the register storage and storage read-out portions of the register to the ticketer.

Responsive to the operation of ticketer-sequence switch SWl to position 2li, under control of ground pulses from the register, relay 2li) operates and locks. The operate circuit can be traced from ground through the wiper of level B in position 2l through lead 255e, contacts 24S to battery on the upper coil of relay 2id. A locking circuit extends from ground through contacts 2Mb and 24d to battery on the lower coil of relay Zltl.

Responsive to the operation of relay 21) contacts 3tlg open and contacts 311i; close, thereby changing the operation of indicator lamp 3% from a 120 i.p.m. flicker to a steady-bright light over a circuit that can be traced from battery through lamp 3%, contacts 351.5, 32M, Silla and dll!) to ground. The steady-bright light indicates that the call is being switched or that the called telephone is ringing. Contacts -l2a and lZb operate with no immediate effect. Contacts Sla open and contacts 31311 close to extend ground to lead Zlldc directly through contacts 31% instead of through contacts 3625, 3252!), 32de and Sla. `Lead Ztlc is as indicated in FlG. 3 connected to the idle test lead of the incoming selector through Sli/8d and special selector lll). The switch is shown in block diagram form since it could be any of the many types of preselecting switch known to those skilled in the art. Contacts Sida open while contacts 314th close to remove the ground that had previously been extended to the delay alarm lead Zllc through contacts 3631) and Elda. The removal of the ground indicates the end of the transfer of information from the register to the ticketer. Contacts 215e open without any irnmediate eflect, since only one of the multiple grounds on lead 2Mo is removed thereby. Contacts 215]; provide the self-locking circuit that has been traced previously. Contacts Elda operate to ground lead 22de over an obvious circuit. A ground on lead 22de actuates the magnet of SW37 after relay Sti@ has returned to normal land thereby prevents another absence-of-ground searchinglregister from connecting itself to this ticketer at this stage of the call. Relay dit@ returns to normal when ground is placed on lead Udc by the .register storage and storage read-out circuit which occurs after all the information contained therein has been transferred to the ticketer storage bins. Responsive to ground on lead 163e, relay EN operates, thereby opening'contacts i591 and removing ground from the coil of relay 300. Responsive to the removal of ground, relay Edt) returns to normal and SW87 steps to disconnect the register from the ticketer. SWS? operates responsive to the ground extending through contacts S12 still operated due to the slow-to-release characteristics of relay ltl, contacts 8ll7, lead i526, and through the magnet coil M37, to battery. Contacts Elda close to ground lead 22de. Contacts 2l6b open to remove the battery of relay 23d from lead 220C. elay 230 previously returned to normal when the operation of SWS? removed its operating ground. Contacts Zlio operate to -a closed position to extend the battery that is on the coil of relay 23d through lead ZZlc to level C of SWSS, the clock calendar access switch. Battery on lead 221 helps to attract a batter' -seeking clock calendar. The operation of contacts 218 switch the battery of Ml of SW1 from lead 223 and connect it instead to level B of SWSS through lead 222. ln greater detail the circuit that had extended from battery on Ml of SW1 to lead 223 over a circuit utilizing contacts Zlb, previously traced, now extends through cont-acts 218a, lead 222C, to level B of SWSS. Contact-s 411 close to extend a circuit from the outgoing selector to battery on the coil of relay 220. In greater detail, a circui-t can be traced from battery on relay 220, through contacts 411, 463, lead 224e to auxiliary sleeve AS of route selector 114. Contacts 412 close to extend an additional ground to lead 232e over an obvious circuit. This ground is utilized in the clock calendar assigner circuit and its use Will be completely described in the following discussion.

Summarizing, means such as relay 210 4are provided for causing the indicator lamp to exhibit a steady-bright light, the register and ticketer to disconnect, the ticketer to indicate to the clock calendars that it is available, and prepares a circuit to reoperate relay 220.

The ticketer is now in a busy condition although not associated with the register or a clock calendar. Nothing further happens until either the called party answers the telephone -or a busy signal is returned or the calling party hangs up.

Answer Means is provided for detecting answer by the called party. For example, when the called party answers the telephone, ground is extended to operate relay 220 over a circuit that extends from the called partys line circuit over auxiliary sleeve AS through lead 224e, contacts 463, 411 to battery on the lower winding of relay 220.

Responsive to operation of relay 220, a locking circuit is closed that extends from ground through the wiper of level B of the ticketer-sequence switch SW1 on positions 21-24, through lead 255e and contacts 226 to battery on the upper winding of relay 220. This connection prevents release of relay 220 during the registering of connecttime.

A calender-assigner circuit, similar to the circuit used to assign a register, operates when ground is connected to lead 234C and is removed from lead 233e responsive to the operation of relay 220. The ground is extended to lead 234C over a circuit that can be traced from ground on the wiper of level C of ticketer-sequence switch SW1 through the contacts of level C in positions 21-24, lead 262C, contacts 424 and 435 to lead 234C. The ground that was extended to lead 233e through contacts 423b is removed, since contacts 423b are now operated to the open position. Also responsive to the operation of relay 220, the light on lamp 300 changes from steady-bright to steady-dim. The steady-dim light indicates that the called party has answered. Ground is once again extended to the delay alarm lead 207C. A ground circuit also extends from positions 25 and 26 on level B of ticketer-sequence switch SW1 through lead 260e to energize the heater of relay 350, the timing relay which operates after a call has been held for approximately six seconds to operate the billing relay 200.

In greater detail, responsive to the reoperation of relay 220, contacts 321a open to disconnect the circuit previously traced that extended from battery on indicator lamp 300 to ground. Contacts 321b operate to extend a circuit from battery on indicator lamp 300 through contacts 361b, 321b and resistor R2 to ground. The result is that the lamp light changes from a steady-bright glow to a steady-dim glow. Contacts 322a, 322b, 323 and 324a operate with no immediate elect. Contacts 325b close to extend ground to the delay alarm lead over a circuit that extends from ground through contacts 303:1, 325b and 3141 to delay alarm lead 207C. Contacts 326 operate to lock in relay 220 over a circuit that can be traced from ground through the wiper of level B of switch SW1, positions 21 through 26 of that switch level, lead 255C, contacts 226 and through the upper winding of relay 220 to battery. Contacts 227 open with no immediate effect. Contacts 228 close to extend ground through the wiper of level B of switch SW1, positions 1 through 6, 25 and 26, lead 260C, coDCiS 228, 208, 237, 218:1, lead 222C, to

level B on switch SWSS. Contacts 421 and 422 operate with no immediate effect. Contacts 423:1 close to extend ground through the wiper of level C of switch SW1 through positions 1 through 20, lead 261e, contacts 423a, lead 233C to level A of switch SW85. Since ground is connected to lead 233C when switch SW1 is on positions 25 and 26 over an obvious circuit, it follows that lead 233e is ungrounded only when switch SW1 is in positions 21 through 24. Contacts 423b open to remove a direct ground connection from lead 233C. Contacts 424 close to extend ground through the wiper of level C of switch SW1, positions 21 through 24 of that level, lead 262C, contacts 424 and 435, lead 234C, contacts 914 and through the coil of relay 900 to battery operating that relay.

Thus, a clock calendar connects itself to the ticketer in a manner similiar to the connection of the register to the ticketer previously described, also through an access switch indicated in the drawing as switch SWSS, i.e. relay 900 is operated over an obvious path responsive to the ground that is on lead 234e. When switch SW1 is operated to positions 21-24, relay 220 is energized and relay 230 is not energized. If there is a ground on lead 233C, then calendar-access switch SWSS is operated to its next position and tests the next ticketer for availability. The circuit wherein this occurs can be traced from lead 233e through the wiper of level A, through contacts 921 and 901 operated to a closed position to battery on magnet coil M85, stepping the switch. If there is no ground on lead 233C, then switch SWSS does not step and the clock calendar is connected to the ticketer. Subsequently, responsive to ground from the clock calendar through switch SWSS to lead 221C, contacts 217, relay 230 reoperates. Five ground pulses are supplied to the ticketer from the clock calendar over lead 222e, and are extended to magnet coil M1 of switch SW1 over a circuit that can be traced from lead 222C, through contacts 218a to lead 259C through the coil to battery. Thus, the switch steps tive positions from position 21 through position 25. While the switch is stepping over the tive steps, live digits of coded information are delivered to the relay storage banks over leads 242C, 237C, 226C, 211C and 213C. These leads are directly connected to the wipers on levels F, G, H, J and K respectively on ticketer-sequence switch SW1 over circuits that have been previously traced.

Means are provided for indicating to the clock calendars that all ticketers are idle for such functions as changing the clocks from daylight saving time to standard time. This is accomplished by means such as lead 232C which is ungrounded only when the ticketer is idle.

Briefly, responsive to the operation of relay 900, contacts 901 are operated to a closed position, extending a circuit from battery on the coil of the calendar-access switch M through contacts 901, 921, to the Wiper of level A of switch SWSS, which is connected through lead 233C into the ticketer as has already been described. Lead 233C of the ticketer is grounded until operation of relay 220 and thereafter when SW1 is on all positions except 6 and 21. The wiper of level A of switch SW85 is connected to lead 233C which, when grounded, steps switch SWSS because then a circuit from battery to ground through magnet coil M85 is completed. However, when the wiper is connected to lead 233C and ground has already been removed therefrom, then the calendar-access switch SW85 does not step and a calendar is connected to that particular ticketer. Lead 222e of the ticketer is connected to level B of switch SW85 and, in a similar manner, lead 221@` is connected to level C, lead 242e is connected to level D, lead 237C is connected to level E, lead 226C is connected to level F, lead 211C is connected to level G and lead 213e is connected to level H of the calendar-access switch SW85.

In greater detail, means are provided for attracting a clock calendar to the ticketer. A ground is extended to operate relay 900. Responsive to the operation of relay 900, contacts 901 close to aid in connecting a clock calendar to a ticketer. Contacts 902 close to extend an operating ground to relay 920 that connects to the battery on magnet coil M85 over an obvious circuit. The current that llows is sufficient to operate relay 920 through its high resistance winding but is insufficient to operate M85. Contacts 903 close to prepare a locking circuit for relay 900.

Responsive to the operation of relay 920, contacts 921 open the operating circuit that extended from the battery on magnet coil M85 to the possible grounds on dilerent positions of the A level of switch SWSS to which leads 233C of the ticketers are connected. Contacts 922 close to partially prepare an operating path to magnet coil M9 of switch SW9. Contacts 923 close to prepare a locking path for relay 910. Contacts 924 close to complete the operating circuit of relay 930 from battery on relay 930, through contacts 924, 915, INT9b to ground. Contacts 925 close to partially prepare a circuit that, when cornpleted, will transmit ground pulses through level B of switch SW85 to magnet coil M1 of the ticketer to synchronize the steps of switch SW9 and switch SW1. Contacts 926 close to complete an operating circuit for relay 230 that can be traced from battery on relay 230 through contacts 217, lead 221C, level C of switch SW85 and contacts 926 to ground. Thus, it is shown that among'other things responsive to the operation of relay 920, relays 930 and 230 operate.

Responsive to the operation of relay 930, contacts 931 close to complete an operating circuit to magnet coil M9 that can be traced from battery on magnet coil M9 through contacts 922 and 931 to ground. Operation of magnet coil M9 Steps switch SW9. Contacts 932 close to complete the operating circuit that extends to magnet coil M1 to operate switch SW1 over a circuit that can be traced from battery on M1 through lead 259e, contacts 218e, lead 222C, level B of switch SWSS, contacts 925 and 932 to ground. Contacts 933 close to extend the digit lead of the clock calendar and read-out circuit 950 to the ticketer Storage banks over a circuit that can Vbe traced from the digit 0 lead through contacts 933, level D of switch SWSS, lead 242C, level F of switch SW1 to the digit 0 rel-ays in the ticketer storage banks. In a similar manner, contacts 934 close to connect the digit 1lead of the clock calendar and read-out circuit 950 through level E of switch SWSS, lead 237C, level G of switch SW1 to the digit l relays in the ticketer storage banks. Contacts 935 close to connect the digit 2 lead of the clock calendar and reatl-out circuit 950 through level F of switch SWSS, lead 226C, level H of switch SW1 to the digit 2 relays in the ticketer storage banks. Contacts 936 close to connect the digit 4 lead of the clock calendar and read-out circuit 950 through level G of switch SWSS, lead 211C, level J of switch SW1 to the digit 4 relays in the ticlreter storage banks. Contacts 937 close to connect the digit 8 lead of the clock calendar and read-out circuit 950 through level H of Switch SW85, lead 213e to level K of switch SW1 to the digit 8 relays in the ticketer storage banks.

summarizing, the operation of relay 930 energizes coil M9 of switch SW9, connects an operating ground under the control of relays 930 and 920 to magnet coil M1 of switch SW1 and connects the digit 0, 1, 2, 4 and 8 leads of the clock calendar and read-out circuit 950 to the digit 0, 1, 2, 4 and 8 relays in the ticketer storage banks to transfer time, date and rate information to the ticketers.

Responsive to the energization of magnet coil M9, switch SW9 steps towards position 1. Responsive to this stepping operation, interrupter contacts INT9C close with no immediate effect; contacts INT9b open and remove the operating ground on relay 930. The release of relay 930 removes the operating grounds on magnet coils M1 and M9 through contacts 932 and 931 respectively. Responsive to the de-energization of magnet coils M1 and M9, switches SWSS and SW1 step to the next positions, which are positions 1 and 21, respectively. When switch SWSS is in position 1, interrupter contacts INT9b close to reoperate relay 930 which, in turn, causes the reenergization of magnet coils M1 and M9 and re-connects the digits 0, 1, 2, 4 and 8 of the clock calendar and read-out circuit 950 to the ticketer relay storage banks. information is transferred, lusing the 2out-of5 code, from the clock calendar to the ticketer and the cycle repeats. When switch SW9 -is in its position 5, an operating ground is extended to relay 910 over a circuit that can be traced from battery on relay 910 through position 5 of switch SW9, the wiper of switch SW97 contacts INT9c to ground.

Responsive to the operation of relay 910, contacts 911 close to extend ground to maintain magnet coil M55 magnetized. Quick-toclose contacts 912 close the selflocking circuit of relay 910. Contacts 913 open the locking circuit of relay 900. Contacts 91d open to prevent the operation of relay 900 by any grounds over lead 234e.

In brief, responsive to the operation of relay 910, the clock calendar and its auxiliary circuits are released.

During the stepping of switch SW9, 2-outaof-5 coded information is transferred over leads 242C, 237C, 226C, 211e and 213C. For example, if the time is 11:23, and the rate code is 5, the following digits would be transmitted: on step 1 a ground would be extended through leads 242e` and 237C; on step 2 a ground would be extended through leads 2420 and 237C; on step 3 ground pulse would be extended through leads 242C and 226e; on step 4 ground pulses would be extended through leads 226C and 237C; on step 5 ground pulses would be extended through leads 2110 and 237C. At this time the clock calendar disconnects from this ticketer.

Responsive to the operation of the ticketer-sequence switch to its 25th position, `the locking circuit of relay 220 is opened, which had previously been completed from ground through the wiper of level B of switch SW1 through'positions 21 to 25, to lead 255C, through contacts 226 to battery on the coil of relay 220. However, the wiper of level B is no longer on positions 21-25, therefore, ground is no longer extended through lead 255C. Hence, relay 220 is now operated over the ground that extends back from the outgoing selector to lead 224e. Thus, at this time relay 220 is under the control of the line circuit of the called party and relay 220 remains Operated after its locking circuit opens, as previously described, only if the call has been answered. When the call is answered the following conditions prevail: relays 220, 210 are operated; relays 200, 230 4and 250 are unoperated; ticketer-sequence switch magnet M1 is energized over a circuit that can be traced from ground through the wiper of level B of ticketer-sequence switch SW1, through contacts on position 25 of level B, lead 260C, contacts 228, 208, 237, 218:1 and through lead 259C to battery on coil M1.

Timing means are provided for monitoring the talking loop to `ascertain that the connection has been completed for a certain minimum amount of time, i.e. timer relay 250 is energized from battery on the heater of timer relay 250 through contacts 207i?, Zda, 236 to lead 259e which is grounded over the circuit previously traced. After a fixed time period (in this embodiment of the invention, approximately six seconds) theV thermal sensitive contacts of time relay 250 close and responsive thereto billing control means such as the slow to release billing relay 200 is operated over a circuit that can be traced from ground through contacts 251 to the battery on the coil of relay 200. Y

Responsive to the operation of billing relay 200 contacts 301a and 301b operate with no effect at this time. Contacts 302 open to disconnect lead 251C from lead 204e. Lead 204C is, as has been previously disclosed, connected to the ring lead R of routeselector 114. Lead 251e connects to position 21 on level D of switch SW1.

All other positions of that switch except position 6 are connected to lead 204C. The wiper of the D level of switch SW1 is connected to lead 265C which, as has previously been shown, is connected to the ring lead of the incoming selector 109 through contacts 468 and lead 241C. Contacts 303a open to remove ground that extended through contacts 30301, 325b, 314b to lead 207C, the delay alarm lead. Contacts 303b close with no immediate elect. Contacts 204 close and connect another operating path for relay 210 that extends from battery on the coil of relay 210, through contacts 204, 21511 to ground. Contacts 205 close to connect another ground to lead 254C. As has been explained previously, ground on lead 254e` is used as a locking ground for the relay storage bank. Contacts 206 close to extend a locking path for relay 200 that extends from battery on that relay through contacts 206, lead 257C, through olf-normal contacts 2a to ground. Contacts 207a close with no immediate effect. Contacts 20717 open to remove the grounding circuit which caused the operation of thermal relay 250 over a circuit previously traced. Contacts 208 open to break an operating circuit that previously extended to magnet coil M1 from ground on level B of switch SW1.

In greater detail, the circuit that extended from ground through the wiper of level B to positions 1 through 6 and 25 and 26, lead 260C, contacts 228, 208, 237, 218a, lead 259C and coil M1 to battery is now open. The same ground that cornes through the wiper of level B also extended to lead 222e, which is connected to lead 259e` through contacts 218:1 in the previously traced circuit. Contacts 409:1 and 4091) operate with no immediate effect. Contacts 409e close to extend ground through lead 263C to the relay storage banks to be used for locking purposes on relay banks numbers 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26. In a similar manner, contacts 40911 close to extend ground through lead 264C to the relay storage banks where the ground is utilized for the locking purposes on relay storage banks 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10.

summarizing, responsive to the operation of billing relay 200, ground is removed from the heater of timer relay 250; lead 259e` is disconnected from lead 260C when contacts 308 are operated to an open position; and this removal of the ground transmitted by lead 260C from the coil M1 of switch SW1 causes switch SW1 to step to position 26, its normal position. Ground is removed from the alarm lead 207C. Removal of ground at this time from the alarm lead indicates receipt of connect time from the clock calender and passage of the grace period after answer. Also, relay 200 locks itself in over its own make contacts. Relay 200 also performs functions which are ineffective at this time. The ticketer is now in talking condition on a call that will be billed. Nothing further occurs until the call is released.

Flash If, however, instead of receiving ground over lead 224e, ashes of 30, 60 or 120 i.p.m. are received over lead 224e, the call cannot be completed because of either a no-circuit condition, a line-busy or a re-order condition. The pulsing operation of relay 220, responsive to the flashing signal from a distant otlce or called party, will step the sequence switch SW1 from its normal position to position 6 over a circuit that can be traced from ground through the wiper of level B through positions 25, 26, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6, through lead 260C, contacts 228, 208, 237, 218a and lead 259e` to the battery on coil M1 of switch SW1. Therefore, responsive to the llashing of relay 220, when contacts 228 pulse to a closed and open position, switch SW1 steps through positions 25, 26, 12, 3, 4, 5 and 6. It should be noted that during this stepping the timer relay 250 is operated intermittently over a circuit previously traced from battery on the heater of relay 250 through contacts 207b, 246a, 236 to lead 259C and ground thereon. However, the intermittent energization of the heater coil does not generate sucient heat to cause the contacts of relay 250 to close. Also, responsive to the flashing of relay 220, the called line loop opens to release the connection when ticketer-sequence switch SW1 reaches position 6.

In greater detail, the circuit connecting incoming selector ring lead 241C to the outgoing selector ring lead, renders lead 204C discontinuous. Previously the circuit was completed through contacts 468, through lead 265e and through the wiper of level D of sequence switch SW1, on any position except 6 and 21, to lead 204C. The ticketer-sequence switch SW1 is now in position 6, therefore, the circuit is no longer complete.

Also responsive to the flashing signal, indicator lamp 300 changes from steady-bright to an intermittent-dim under the control of relay 220, as it is being pulsed, over a circuit that can be traced from battery on indicator lamp 300, through contacts 361b, 321b or 321a, depending upon the relative position of relay 220. If contacts 321!) are operated to a closed position, the lamp receives ground through resistor R1 and is dim. If contacts 321a are in a closed position, the circuit is extended through contacts 301a and 311b to ground and indicator lamp 300 is bright. Therefore, the lamp is alternately bright or dim at the flashing rate. In addition, responsive to the ashing of relay 220, the delay alarm lead 207C is periodically grounded and ungrounded over a circuit that extends from ground through contacts 303a, 325b and 314b to lead 207e. As relay 220 is alternately operated and released, contacts 325b alternately open and close, thereby alternately grounding lead 207C. Another function of the flashing signal is to provide means for generating a busy signal. This is accomplished by delivering an interrupted dial tone to the calling subscriber over a circuit that may be traced from dial tone source through lead 205e, contacts 323 (alternately opened and closed responsive to the operation and release of relay 220), through lead 252e to positions 1 through 6 on level E of the ticketer-sequence switch SW1, through the wiper of level E to lead 265C through lead 265C, contacts 468 to lead 241e, the ring lead of the incoming selector, and connects to the ring lead in the line circuit of the calling subscriber. The busy signal notities the calling subscriber to release the connection.

Release When the calling subscriber replaces his handset, the loop is broken and a bridge relay (not shown) but in the switch train connected via route selector 114 releases. Thereafter relay 260 releases, since ground is no longer extended from the route selector sleeve, lea-d 231C, coritacts 443 and 465 to battery on relay 260. Responsive to the release of relay 260, its slave relay 240 also releases when ground is removed from the coil of 240 by the opening of contacts 265. Responsive to the release of relay 240, relay 210 releases when the ground which extended to the battery on the lower winding of relay 210 from ground through contacts 215b and contacts 244 no longer extends through contacts 244 which have returned to their normally open position. Relay 220 releases when the ground that had previously been extended from lead 224C through contacts 463 and 411 to battery on the lower winding of relay 220 can no longer reach the coil of relay 220, because contacts 463 and 411 are in their normally open position. Likewise, the storage relays release when grounds are removed from leads 263C, 264C and 254C upon the release of relay 260 and the consequent restoration of the normally open contacts 264b, 467 and 466.

Means are provided to restore the ticketer-sequence switch SW1 to its normal position. A circuitl extends' from ground through the wiper of level A, through positions 1 through 25 of level A, ythrough nterrupter con-- tacts INTZa, lead 258e, contacts 246b and: 236, lend 259e to battery on coil M1. The switch stops operating when it reaches position 26 because posit-@1.1.2.6. i5` not,

Claims (2)

10. A TICKETER FOR USE IN AN AUTOMATIC TOLL TICKETING TELEPHONE SYSTEM COMPRISING MEANS FOR STORING THE DATA NECESSARY FOR THE PRODUCTION OF A RECORD OF A TOLL CALL, MEANS IN SAID TICKETER TO SUPERVISE THE ANSWER AND RELEASE OF THE CALL, A DATA RECORDING MEANS FOR PREPARING PERMANENT RECORDS OF SAID DATA, MEANS RESPONSIVE TO THE RELEASE OF THE CALL FOR DELIVERING THE STORED DATA FROM SAID TICKETER TO SAID DATA RECORDING MEAMS, MEANS INCLUDING AT LEAST A REGISTER AND CLOCK CALENDAR EXTERNAL TO SAID TICKETER MEANS FOR CONTROLLING THE STORAGE OF SAID DATA IN SAID TICKETER AFTER THE ANSWER, AND MEANS TICKETER FOR ATTRACTING SAID REGISTER VIA A DATA TRANSFER LINK WHEN SAID TICKETER IS IDLE.

14. AN AUTOMATIC TOLL TICKETING TELEPHONE SYSTEM COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF TICKETING MEANS, AT LEAST ONE REGISTER MEANS ASSOCIATED WITH SAID PLURALITY OF TICKETING MEANS, MEANS RESPONSIVE TO ONE OF SAID TICKETING MEANS IN IDLE CONDITION FOR INTERCONNECTING SAID TICKETING MEANS AND SAID REGISTER, VIA A DATA TRANSFER LINK, AND MEANS RESPONSIVE TO INITIATION OF A CALL FOR CAUSING SAID REGISTER TO STORE DATA IN SAID TICKETING MEANS AND IMMEDIATELY AFTER SAID STORAGE TO DISCONNECT FROM SAID TICKETING MEANS.

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